Job Summary

Reporting to our Vice President and Regional Director for Africa based in Nairobi, you will design and implement communications that increase the influence of our research, analysis and engagement with decision-makers who are shaping development patterns across Africa. You will be a senior member of the WRI Africa management team and lead and mentor a small team of communications professionals (currently three) working in different locations across the region.

You will reach out to multiple influential audiences—within the region and internationally—with compelling stories and messages drawn from our work that show how measures that protect and enhance Africa’s rich natural resources go hand-in-hand with rapid, poverty-reducing growth. Incorporating a deep understanding of Africa’s development opportunities and extensive professional communications experience in such activities as strategy design and implementation, online communications, social media and digital marketing, event design and media relations is essential.

Your work will be to further develop and communicate a recently created three-pillar strategy for WRI Africa’s contribution to sustainable development in the region, showing how the pieces of WRI’s work across the region inter-connect and support the overall strategy. The over-arching vision of the strategy is “to catalyze inclusive transformation so that Africa’s people and landscapes flourish.” The three pillars are: institutional and economic transformation; vital landscapes; and thriving, resilient cities.

We seek a world-class communications professional with a proven track record producing or placing stories in top media outlets, preparing high quality briefing materials, excellent writing and messaging skills, and a willingness and ability to travel within the region and internationally. You must have strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for turning big ideas into action. A history of working successfully with national and pan-African organizations and with international institutions is strongly preferred, as is experience working on one or more of the issues covered by WRI’s seven program areas: food, forests, water, energy, cities, climate and the ocean.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Nairobi or Addis once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of an effective strategy to raise the prominence and visibility of WRI in Africa and increased the reach and impact of our work
• Prepare high quality briefing materials and talking points on key themes of WRI Africa’s areas of focus.
• Increase recognition among thought leaders and decision makers that sustainable development approaches are the most effective means for reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and achieving just and resilient societies
• Strengthen WRI’s reputation as a source for innovative solutions that can accelerate Africa’s economic development and improve livelihoods while protecting the continent’s natural resources and systems
• Connect African reporters and non-Africa reporters covering the region with WRI Africa experts, distribute WRI reports and analysis, organize media briefings, and help respond to breaking news
• Proactively work to extend WRI’s reach with media outlets that cover Africa, including through traditional and social media platforms
• Write and edit communication materials such as op-eds, blog posts, press releases, advisories, statements, and targeted emails. Write and deliver media pitches to editors and reporters working in text and broadcast, including radio and TV
• Support the WRI Africa team and manage its online and social media presence, including outreach for WRI visitors from other parts of the world
• Establish, track and evaluate metrics of success, and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results over time

Job Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of full-time relevant professional experience working in journalism, public relations, communications or policy on topics including development, climate, energy, forests, or broader environmental issues; some work experience in Africa is required. Minimum of 3 years of experience in a communications leadership position
• Master’s degree in journalism, communications, developmental studies, or related field (or bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of work experience)
• International experience strongly preferred with prior work experience for an international organization and preferably in the international NGO sector
• Understanding of African policy issues at the nexus of development and environment, as well as the institutional dynamics and key players in research, government, business, trade associations, and media
• Robust list of established media contacts and networks in Africa and leading international media outlets covering Africa
• Proven ability to lead coordination and delivery of communications strategies, messaging, audience targeting, media pitching and other outreach
• Experience working collaboratively with a range of communications colleagues and partners, particularly across time zones and continents
• Demonstrable experience preparing written materials in strong, polished prose in English with a clear sense of how to communicate to diverse audiences
• Proficiency in French and/or in one or more African languages is desirable
• Articulate, versatile, highly skilled writer with professional writing experience and strong oral communications skills in English
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team across time zones
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, highly motivated, proactive work style, detail-oriented, accountable, and with excellent organizational skills
• A proven track record of implementing effective communications that achieve results and amplify impact
• Strong commitment to WRI’s mission and values

How to Apply

Submission of a cover letter and CV/resume is required. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.